CancerCompass message board discussion started by sable on 7/3/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,25698,0.htm Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ On April 21, 2008 I was diagnosed with Gastric Cancer but later after a certain stain was performed and 2nd diagnoses of Metastized Breast Cancer to the bones, (slow growing for 19 years and showing up in my stomach)  inerable.  Metastasized from my lower spine to my stomach.  I had breast cancer in 1989 at the age of forty with both breast removed.  Cancers were Lobular Carcinom insitu and invasive, ductal and pagets disease.  Went through six rounds of chemo,  pretty tough stuff back then, have had pretty good health since then until this.  I started gaining weight.  My stomach would ache or hurt and to get it to stop I would take over the counter anti-acids, purple pill, and etc.  I found if I kept something in my stomach the pain wasn't so severe.  Doc thought I was feeding an ulcer.  But no lab reports say it is metastic breast cancer estrogen receptor positive.  I'm told I'm to be greatful for this.  I am on the drug Femara daily (oral chemo-hormonal therapy) and  zometa infusions for the bones.  Onc. will monitor.  if my cancer does not react this medication then regular chemo is in store.  Has anyone else had this thing.  Good bless everyone. Sable sable Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT hey sable, is that your real name.  if it is it sure is a beautiful name.  i have breast cancer that has metastasized to my spine, it was found last sept.  i'm 51, so that should put us about the same age.  Mine was hormone receptor pos. also.  the tumors in my breast and lymph nodes were so large they did chemo before surgery.  i had 5 rounds.  i don't know what it was like in 89, but it sucked pretty bad in 07.  anyway, the chemo totally blasted the tumors, they are gone from my breast and lymph nodes, but the catscan showed it had spread to my spine.  the chemo also worked excellent on that.  i opted not to have a masectomy, it was a personal choice, the dr. said the only reason would be preventative.  i go for a check up every month or so, and all my tests have come back good.  i take arimadex daily and have monthly iv infusions to counteract the side affects of bone loss.   anyway, when i had chemo they gave me alot of different meds. to counteract the side affects.  it wasn't a pleasant experience, but the nausea and pain was all kept under control, i handled it and i am a pretty big whoos, so if it comes to that for you, i bet you will too.  know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and if you need to talk i am here.  god bless, mary page22 Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 7/5/2008 page22 wrote:hey sable, is that your real name.  if it is it sure is a beautiful name.  i have breast cancer that has metastasized to my spine, it was found last sept.  i'm 51, so that should put us about the same age.  Mine was hormone receptor pos. also.  the tumors in my breast and lymph nodes were so large they did chemo before surgery.  i had 5 rounds.  i don't know what it was like in 89, but it sucked pretty bad in 07.  anyway, the chemo totally blasted the tumors, they are gone from my breast and lymph nodes, but the catscan showed it had spread to my spine.  the chemo also worked excellent on that.  i opted not to have a masectomy, it was a personal choice, the dr. said the only reason would be preventative.  i go for a check up every month or so, and all my tests have come back good.  i take arimadex daily and have monthly iv infusions to counteract the side affects of bone loss.   anyway, when i had chemo they gave me alot of different meds. to counteract the side affects.  it wasn't a pleasant experience, but the nausea and pain was all kept under control, i handled it and i am a pretty big whoos, so if it comes to that for you, i bet you will too.  know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and if you need to talk i am here.  god bless, maryI apologize for not writing sooner.  I hope you are doing well.  Abusy last two months trying to get two diagnosis for insurance and dealing with the side effects of Femara.  I felt like I had the flu for about two months.  But leveling off now.  My two oncologist have not decided to do chemo as yet.  They want to give the femara and zometa time to work.  I am grateful that they have not decided to do the chemo, (eventhough that might be the best thing to do, who knows) as yet.  I'm gained six pounds in the last two months and I'm told not to worry just accept and maintain.  They feel this is a good sign.  I'm on aciphex for the stomach acid for the stomach cancer, lorcet for the pain one nightly, femara daily, vitamin D 2000 mg daily, and zometa infusion for the bones, (have had two infusions in the last two months) due to go back in November.  Also resently have started taking as of Monday a nine day process of prednisone.  I've had conflicting reports from my two oncologist reports.  One seems to think it is advancing in all my lumbar spine and I have a MRI stating this and the other only sees the hot spots in my stomach and upper spine.  Again who knows.  Waiting for a MRI.  Having horrible pains from my waist down.  Like I said on oncologist  thinks it is a slipped disk and the other said it is metetasties and lesions causing the pain.  They prescribed pain patch.The name sable was my pet's name.  I just feel Like I need someone to talk to that is going through the same thing I'm going through.  Take care and may God bless you.  Sable sable Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT now i'm the one who feels bad for not getting back to you sooner.  i need to check the board more regularly.  i hope that you get this, and let me know how things are going for you. i hate to hear you have to handle so much pain.  i have been having alot of leg pain lately, i am going for a bone scan tomorrow.  you said talking to someone who understands helps you, i hope that you can talk to me. i consider it an honor to help anyone in this crappy situation. and i do believe we need each other to get through it.  my thoughts and prayers are with you and hope to hear back from you soon. page22 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT